So my Cuisinart finally broke the other day, and I've found that my blender just doesn't work well as a substitute. After checking cooksillustrated.com for reviews of food processors, I found that the only ones recommended were around $200!

Did CI test any that were under $100? If so, what factors caused them to be rated lower and do you care about those factors?

Well the first one on the list that was under $100 was the "Oster Inspire", which ran for about $70. This model was not recommended, and the description said (paraphrased):

"This unit almost got a passing grade—until it brutalized the carrots, celery, and onions in the chopping test. If you want a food processor and absolutely can't afford anything more expensive, this one is the best of the really cheap choices. Just use a knife to chop veggies."

I guess that's not too big a deal...I've never really used a food processor to chop veggies anyways.

Well the first one on the list that was under $100 was the "Oster Inspire", which ran for about $70. This model was not recommended, and the description said (paraphrased):

"This unit almost got a passing grade—until it brutalized the carrots, celery, and onions in the chopping test. If you want a food processor and absolutely can't afford anything more expensive, this one is the best of the really cheap choices. Just use a knife to chop veggies."

I guess that's not too big a deal...I've never really used a food processor to chop veggies anyways.

Folks can't always afford the best of everything. You can always get a good serviceable product for less money.

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"If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe." -Carl Sagan

It's my experience that the food processors that cost less ARE less. and not worth the money you will spend.

I think I would check Craig's List in your area for someone selling a "gently used" Cuisinart or KitchenAid. You know there are some folks who just MUST have the latest model, and there have been big changes in the Cuisinart in the past few years, so I'm guessing there are a bunch of used ones available on line and at yard sales.

I've had mine since 1984 and it still has many years left in it. Not replacing it, but I know a lot of folks who have cast theirs of similar vintage aside.

When it came time for me to buy a food processor, i started checking yard sales and thrift stores. I tried several I didn't like and settled on a used Cuis' DLC 11, eight cup processor from a thrift store...$8. The next day I stopped in the same thrift store and picked up the full accessory blade set for another $4. A trip to eBay yielded a constant feed chute for $18. The DLC 7 (with all the accessory blades, total about $30) that was too big for just me and my tiny kitchen went to the church kitchen, where I still get to use it regularly when I volunteer at the homeless shelter the church sponsors. The deals are out there if you don't mind used and you don't mind a little hunting. Good luck!

I have a black and decker that I got a few years ago at Target, on sale for $39 regularly $59 (it is full size).

While not a great processor, it is very powerful and gets the job done. What I don't care for about the machine is that it is a bit loud, and the blade keeps spinning too long when pulsing. I would like a larger feed tube as well.

I am going to keep it until it dies, when I replace it, I will likely get a kitchenaid or cuisinart. I give it pretty light use, so it should last a while.